Grenadian media workers, government officials and business persons from institutions around Grenada were invited to the Symposium of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Saturday, 28 October 2017.

Senior media workers, Johnson Richardson of The Grenada Informer, and Rawle Titus of the Grenada Information Service (GIS), were among the 3,000 plus international media workers to cover the event at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing China, from 18-24 October 2017. Both gave brief presentations of their experiences in China, and described their visits as ‘eye-opening.’

The congress’ 2,887 delegates represented the party’s 89 million members, and attracted international attention as China revealed its 5-year plan and new leadership. China’s President Xi Jinping, who was once again elected as the General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee (CPCCC), has been labelled as the most powerful leader since Mao Zedong.

The president, in his marathon speech at the congress gave deeper insight into China’s ‘New Era’ development, which is expected to see even more technological advances, as the CPC sets the country’s blueprint in place for the next 5 years and beyond. China, also referred to as the world’s 2nd largest economy, has pledged to continue opening its arms and assisting countries, including Grenada.

During the Symposium on Saturday, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Grenada, HE Dr Zhao Yongchen, affirmed ‘The Communist Party of China not only strives for the well-being of the Chinese people, but also, human progress,’ as they embark on President Xi Jinping’s New Era philosophy.

Through such philosophies, the ambassador added that ‘China will promote coordination and cooperation with other major countries, and work to build a framework for major country relations featuring overall stability and balanced development. China will deepen relations with its neighbours in accordance with the principle of amity, sincerity mutual benefit, and inclusiveness and the policy of forging friendship and partnership with its neigbours.’

The ambassador noted that ‘China stands for democracy in international relations and the equality of all countries, big or small, strong or weak, rich or poor.’ He assured that China will continue to play its part as a major and responsible country, and to take an active part in reforming and developing the global governance system.

With respect to China’s relationship with Grenada, the ambassador stated ‘since the resumption of diplomatic relations 12 years ago, China and Grenada have witnessed together the comprehensive development of our bilateral relations and fruitful co-operations in all fields. Grenada has become an important cooperation partner and close friend of China in the Caribbean.’

As China enters into the New Era, which is considered to be a neo-historic juncture in the country’s history, they will possess greater capacity and power to continue to boost global economic growth and promote common development of the world, and will bring unprecedented new development opportunities to the world.

Hon Senator Winston Garraway, Minister of State, With Responsibility for Disaster Management and Information, represented the Government of Grenada at Saturday’s Symposium. He focused on the importance of the media and communications and the significance of Grenada’s relationship with China especially as they prepare for the New Era developments.

The senator implored the media to take full advantage of the opportunities afforded them through the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China. He also reminded them of the need to be proactive when disseminating information.

Garraway, on behalf of the Government of Grenada, expressed sincerest thanks to the ambassador and the Government of the People’s Republic of China for their investments in Grenada’s media practitioners, and other members of the business community.

Other persons who visited China to complete short courses or bilateral programmes, also got the chance to share their experiences and stated what they learned.